AQW 31548/22-27

Miss Nuala McAllister
Alliance Party
North Belfast

Tabled Date: 18/09/2025
Answered On Date: 03/10/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health for an update on the implementation of the Adoption and Children Act (Northern Ireland) 2022.

Answer:

The Adoption and Children Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 (the Act) received Royal Assent in April 2022. The Act is substantial with many provisions inter-linked. Extensive public consultation and approximately twenty-five pieces of subordinate legislation and accompanying guidance will be required to fully implement the Act.

Following Royal Assent, a detailed phasing schedule was developed to support implementation over a five-year period from 2022 to 2027, subject to necessary Ministerial approvals, secured budgets and social care workforce capacity. Phase 1 actions were implemented within the initial 2022/2023 timeframe. However, it was not possible to proceed with the Phase 2 actions in 2023/2024 due to significant budgetary and social care workforce constraints. As a result, those provisions which could be implemented on the basis that there were no additional resource implications were identified. The remaining Phase 2 provisions were delayed until 2024/2025.

Whilst work has now resumed, the timescales for implementation of the Act will depend on the provision of additional and sustained funding.